Henry Beston’s Cape Cod

on

Don Wilding, the co-founder of the nonprofit Henry Beston Society on Cape Cod and author of the book, Henry Beston’s Cape Cod, will present his lecture/documentary film footage screening, Henry Beston’s Cape Cod: Inspiration for a National Seashore, at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, 7 Barstow St., on Wednesday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m.

Wilding has presented this program on Cape Cod and across New England extensively since 2001. Beston’s book, The Outermost House, was written in 1927 after Beston spent a solitary year in a 20×16 cottage on Eastham’s outer beach. The Outermost House is now considered an American classic on the level of the works of Thoreau, Muir and other noted nature writers, and was cited as a major influence on the establishment of the Cape Cod National Seashore in 1961. Noted author Rachel Carson said that The Outermost House was the only book to ever influence her writing.

Wilding, 52, published his own book, Henry Beston’s Cape Cod, in 2003, shortly after co-founding the nonprofit Beston Society with his wife, Nita. The Beston Society is based in North Eastham, just a few miles from where Beston walked the outer beach, and has sponsored and/or taken part in lectures, theater productions and exhibits on the Cape. Wilding and the Beston Society are now producing a documentary film about Beston’s story and his influence on the Cape Cod National Seashore, in association with filmmaker Christopher Seufert and Mooncusser Films of Chatham.

Wilding’s presentation includes over 100 slides of Beston and his famous cottage, along with footage from the documentary film project. The program tells how the Quincy native, still shaken by his experiences as an ambulance driver in France during World War I, took to writing fairy tales and eventually found the peace of mind he was looking for on Cape Cod’s outer beach. In doing so, he not only found himself as a writer, but his prose from The Outermost House found its way into National Park Service reports about Cape Cod that sealed its establishment as a national treasure.

Wilding will be available to sign copies of his book, along with copies of the DVD, Henry Beston’s Cape Cod: Meditations of the Outer Beach. The DVD, a fundraiser for the documentary film project, includes samples of interviews and scenic footage that have been gathered so far.

For more information on the Beston Society, call (508) 246-7242 or visit www.henrybeston.org.

Annual Town-Wide Cleanup

on

Hello Fellow Marionites! Please take note that this year’s Annual Town-Wide Cleanup will be on Saturday, May 11 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. (Meet at the Music Hall.) As usual, we are partnering with Gifts to Give, who will have a truck ready to collect used clothing, toys and books. The sponsors are Marion’s Tree and Parks Committee, the Sippican Lands Trust, the Sippican Historical Society, the Marion Garden Group, the Natural History Museum and the Marion DPW. Goods will be donated by Harriet’s, Sperry Sails, Lockheed Martin, Uncle Jon’s, and Rose and Vicki’s. Traditionally, the Boy and Girl Scout Troops participate, as well as students and faculty from ORR, Sippican Elementary School, and Tabor Academy, along with townspeople and families. We eagerly await their participation again this year.

We have some added features, too. Tabor Academy is going to preview the event by doing a section of town as a whole school the week before. Also, select participants, organized by Jody and the Recreation Commission, will focus on Route 6 and the 195 ramps in hopes of really cleaning up our winter’s debris. To ensure safety for young and old alike, Chief Lincoln Miller is offering to bring out officers to accompany volunteers. Of course, we shall also be assigning town parks, cemeteries and roads to the many volunteers who come to participate. The DPW trucks will be on hand to collect filled bags and build Trash Mountain at Island Wharf.

Please mark this important event on your calendars now and plan on doing your part.

We eagerly await participation from all families and citizens of Marion as well as area businesses and civic organizations. You shall be hearing more details in the coming weeks ahead!

Discover Vernal Pools with the MLT

on

Vernal pools are a vital breeding habitat for resident amphibians and invertebrates such as wood frogs, spotted and blue-spotted salamanders, and fairy shrimp. The MLT is once again offering an introduction to vernal pools and instructions as to how to certify them through a workshop and field trip.

The experience will begin with a slide show presentation at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on Wednesday, April 3 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, where wetland scientist Elizabeth Leidhold will describe with exhibits and slides some of the animals that rely on vernal pools for survival. On Saturday, April 6 at 9:00 am, she’ll lead the investigation of one of the MLT’s vernal pools; the site will be determined by the weather conditions. The state forms for certifying vernal pools will be provided to all participants so that they can learn how to properly complete the forms that are part of the Commonwealth’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. This will be a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to learn together about the wetlands of Mattapoisett and how they can help protect them for future generations.

Both events are free and open to all, including residents of other towns. Attendance at the presentation is not required for participation in the field visit on Saturday. Anyone interested in discovery should meet at Dunseith Gardens (the Seahorse property) Saturday morning at 8:45 am. For more information, call 508-317-5932 or email info@mattlandtrust.org.

Gateway Youth Hockey Update

on

Squirt Ice Wolves – The Gateway Ice Wolves continued on their unbeaten streak in the Yankee Conference with their second win of the playoffs. They beat a strong GYH USA team 7-2. The game was back and forth in the first period with each team scoring two goals. From that point on, goalie Alex DeMarco turned away everything that came his way, including a save which saw him diving from side of the net to the other. The Ice Wolves were a little sluggish in the first period, but woke up in the second and turned it on. Leading the way in scoring were Quirino doCanto with three goals and three assists, Tyler Lovendale with two goals and four assists and Chris Gauvin with two goals and one assist. Also chipping in with assists were Meghan Berg and Julia Elicier, each with one. With the win, they have assured themselves a spot in the finals. The Ice Wolves will be back in action next weekend for the third round of playoffs playing the other GYH team, Ireland.

Bantams – In the second round of playoffs in the Yankee Conference, the Gateway Bantams clinched a spot in the finals by easily defeating Hanover last Saturday night by the score of 5-2. The first period ended in a scoreless tie, although Gateway pressured the Hanover goalie but could not connect to put the puck in the net.
In the second period, Gateway put on a great show of passing and finally Brian Holmes found the back of the net with a great setup from Alex Atkinson and Brady Smith. Will Paling and Mike Houdlette fought many battles in the Hanover zone, and, eventually, Sean Kelso was able to put the team up by two with a pass from Mat St. John. And again to end the second period, it was Brian Holmes scoring his second goal of the night assisted by teammates Alex Atkinson and Brady Smith. The defense consisting of Jake Tomasik, Alex Hathaway, Doug Breault and Mat St. John kept Hanover away from the Gateway zone, allowing only one goal to get past them.
In the third period, Hanover finally managed to get off some shots on net and all but one was denied by goalie Chase Cunningham, who played an outstanding game in net.
Scoring for Gateway in the third period were Sean Kelso and Mat. St. John, both unassisted. Also playing great in the team effort was Chad Lavoie and Jake Spevack.
On March 30, Gateway will play the last game on the road to the finals, taking on Weymouth, whom they will be playing again in April for the Championship. Game time is at 7:40 pm in Pembroke.

An Evening with Chip Osborne

on

Please join the Marion Garden Group for “An Evening with Chip Osborne” on Tuesday, April 2 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall, Front Street. Admission is $5 per guest and the event is open to the public. Guest speaker and organic industry guru Chip Osborne, of Osborne Organics in Marblehead, will share his wealth of knowledge about organic lawn, garden and grounds maintenance. Chip Osborne will discuss some compelling reasons why we should consider a natural approach to lawn care. Public health, children’s health, storm-water runoff and water quality issues are all reasons why we should begin to reduce our dependence on synthetic and chemical products to grow our lawns and gardens. Chip will then present “Simple Steps to Organic Lawn Care,” a detailed approach to a natural lawn care program. Basic steps will be outlined and explained in a common-sense approach.

Easter Seals: Where Hope Springs Eternal

on

Out of tragedy blossomed an organization that has served millions since 1919 — Easter Seals. Most of us will be familiar with the organization’s name, but many of us will not know how it originated. Enter Edgar Allen.

In 1907, Allen was a wealthy self-made businessman whose son was killed by a streetcar in Elyria, Ohio. Inadequate medical services contributed to the boy’s death. From his suffering, Allen drew inspiration. He sold his business and put his money into building a hospital to care for the citizens of Elyria. To his dismay, he also learned that children with disabilities were mainly hidden from view, receiving virtually no assistance that could improve their lives. By 1919, Allen had founded the National Society for Crippled Children, the very first organization of its kind.

A campaign to raise funds for the Society in 1934 included donors placing seals on envelopes and letters to demonstrate their support. The Easter lily was first used in 1952 on the seals to signify hope and new life, a hallmark of the Society. By 1967, the organization adopted the Easter lily as its official symbol.

Today, more than 1.4 million men, women and children annually receive multilayered services provided by the Easter Seals. And the Massachusetts Chapter is an exemplary part of that organization, one that assisted a local family.

When Adam Kaner speaks about his mother, Carol, his feelings of pride, awe and love for her are palpable.

“She kept on teaching; she planned vacations; she lived her life,” he shared. Kaner credits the Easter Seals for allowing his mother to continue being a full and productive member of her family and community in spite of a debilitating neurological disorder. Nearly 10 years since Carol’s passing, Kaner has continued his personal involvement with the Easter Seals.

“Easter Seals stepped in and helped my mother with assistive technology,” Kaner said.  “I want more people to be aware of the wonderful work Easter Seals does.”

Kirk Joslin, President and CEO of Easter Seals of Massachusetts, explained that adapted services are “a combination of outreach such as speech, occupational and rehabilitation services.” These services allow persons with disabilities to receive training, therapy and equipment that improve their lives and their ability to live in society.

Joslin detailed that Easter Seals’ assistive technology programs include equipment called augmentative communication devices. Augmentative and alternative communication, known as AAC, describes various methods of communication that helps people who are unable to use verbal speech to communicate. Devices and tools can be low-, medium- or high-tech items. The high-tech systems include complex electronics and computer components with applications geared to the needs of the disabled person. Easter Seals of Massachusetts takes pride of place in this category with a premiere cutting-edge Assistive Technology program. Many recipients now lead full and productive lives, which otherwise would have been compromised had it not been for Easter Seals.

“We go right into peoples’ homes, places of work and schools, assessing their needs,” Joslin said. Easter Seals has a network of trained in-field professionals from speech pathologists, special education, physical and occupational therapists whose goal is to match the needs of a person with the technology available to bridge their functional gaps. Using a combination of computer programs, various types of keyboards, and other integrated digital equipment, people are talking, writing, and communicating and thereby living more complete lives.

Joslin went on to explain that Easter Seal staff liaisons with other local, state and federal program providers to bring services and adaptive equipment to the people in need. This multiagency approach results in the difference between living and just existing for many hundreds of people in Massachusetts.

“Easter Seals worked with my mother to adapt her equipment and programs,” Kaner said, “so she could keep on teaching French and Spanish.” One can imagine how many lives Carol Kaner touched with her determination. It is now exemplified through her son’s commitment.

Today, Kaner is on a regional Easter Seals Board of Young Professionals. This group organizes such fundraising activities as softball, volleyball and basketball games hosted at local venues.

“I love it,” Kaner said. “It’s a blast, and I get to see some of my buddies from ORR!”

“You can take two roads,” Carol Kaner said late in her life. “Be lazy, or get things going.” She got things going, and so has her son Adam.

“I love giving back,” he said.

This year, the Massachusetts Easter Seals chapter is celebrating 25 years of pioneering Assistive Technology programs that have allowed people with disabilities to achieve their full potential.

“We were first in the country, not just Easter Seals, but any organization, pulling together all aspects of technology,” Joslin said. “I’ve seen what it can do.” Joslin cited a local college student who is attending classes and participating just like all the other students because he has been “given a voice.” He uses augmentative equipment secured by the assistance of Easter Seals.

“We provide technology services right in the place where the person needs it,” Joslin said. “Every disability is different, and every person with a disability will be affected differently.” Easter Seals provides a unique and personalized response to those differences via technology.

As Easter Seals founder Edgar Allen said, “Your life and mine shall be valued not by what we take … but by what we give.” If you or someone you know might benefit from the services of the Easter Seals, visit www.ma.easterseals.com.

By Marilou Newell

Dance Team Showcase

on

This past Friday, the ORR High School auditorium held the 4th Annual Bulldog Rhythm Showcase. The high school’s dance team worked with their new head coach, previous Bulldog Rhythm member Bethanie Bassett, to present 18 dance numbers to a crowd of peers, friends and family members.

            The night opened at 7:00 pm with a group number titled “Dance.” Next, juniors McKenzie Snow and Katrina Carmichael did a duet titled “Sail.” Following was a 12-dancer group number called “Throwback Mix.”

            Two freshmen danced a heartfelt duet to Taylor Swift’s “Safe and Sound” before five girls danced to an upbeat number called “Heads Will Roll.”

            The sophomore girls of the team performed a group number named “Pon De Replay” before senior Alex Pickering danced a solo to Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble.” Junior Becca Myers performed a saucy solo tap dance number to the song “Show Me How You Burlesque.”

            A large group number to a Beyoncé mash-up wrapped up the first half of the showcase before the dancers came out into the crowd to sell concessions and 50/50 raffle tickets during the intermission.

            After intermission, three of the seniors danced another saucy number to “Fever.” The juniors of the team performed an upbeat dance which they called “Pop Mash-Up.”

            Senior Melissa Bassett performed an emotional duet with her sister to “I Won’t Let Go” followed by a solo cameo dance by sophomore Angela Weigel. Another group number followed Weigel’s solo, called “As Long As You Love Me.” Sophomore Korryn Pinard delighted the crowd with another solo called “Hurt.” Juniors Alison and Becca performed a duet in matching school-girl uniforms to the song titled “Schoolin’ Life.”

            The seniors of the team wore matching orange dresses for their dance to “Lean on Me” before the night wrapped up with the entire team dancing to “Celebrate.”

            At the end of the night, the seniors were brought rose bouquets and were given a tearful goodbye speech by the junior members of the team. Other expressions of gratitude included Coach Bethanie Bassett, Jackie Bassett and Paul Sardinha for their help in making the night a success.

By Jessica Correia

Gilbert P. Champagne

on

Gilbert P. Champagne, 73, of Rochester, died March 20, 2013 at home after a long illness.

He was the husband of Jane M. (Doran) Champagne.

Born and raised in New Bedford, the son of the late Antonio and Henrietta (Lemaire) Champagne, he lived in Rochester since 1973.

He was a communicant of St. John Neumann Church, East Freetown.

Mr. Champagne was formerly employed by Verizon for many years until his retirement. He was a member and past president of I.B.E.W. Local# 2322 and a member of the Telephone Pioneers.

He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Mark D. Champagne and his wife Kelly McLaughlin of South Royalton, VT; a daughter, Nicole J. Champagne and her spouse Daryl Isles of Woburn; 2 brothers, Paul Champagne of Rochester and Charles Champagne of Randolph; a sister, Marcia Champagne of Rochester; and 3 grandchildren, Anshel, Cecelia and Andrew.

He was the father of the late Christopher Champagne.

Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Friday, March 22nd at 7:45 AM. Funeral Mass at St. John Neumann Church at 9 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday, March 21st from 4-8. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Southcoast Hospice, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719.

Willis H. Collyer

on

Willis H. Collyer, age 91 of Mattapoisett, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at Our Lady?s Haven in Fairhaven, MA after a long illness.

He was the husband of the late Barbara R. “Bobi” (Walker) Collyer.

Born and raised in Marblehead, MA, Willis was the son of the late Ernest L. and Corinne (Lindsey) Collyer. He had resided in Mattapoisett since 1956.

He was a member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church.

He graduated from Marblehead High School and later went on to receive an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University.

Growing up in Marblehead, loving anything marine and water related, he began work at Graves Yacht Yard, and crewed on the classic one-designs of the day, including “J”, “Q”, and “S” boats, as well as 110’s and 210’s. He later worked at the Marblehead Transportation Co., and served as waterfront Steward of both the Eastern Yacht Club and Boston Yacht Club.

Will was a proud Coast Guard veteran of World War II, enlisting in 1939. He first served as a gunner in North Atlantic convoy duty aboard the 125’ cutter TRAVIS. Later in the war he served in the Pacific Theater aboard the cutter TANEY. He was Chief Gunner’s Mate when he participated in the invasions of Okinawa and Tokyo. He remained very active in TANEY reunion activities, visiting the ship enshrined in Baltimore on many recent Pearl Harbor Days.

He was a member of the Florence Eastman American Legion and member and immediate past president of the Machacam Club.

Will began his career as a National Resource Officer and patrol boat captain in 1955, retiring as supervisor of Massachusetts marine environmental law enforcement in 1986. On his early “off duty” days, he was employed by Brownell Boat Yard, Edwin L. Perkins Co. and Joseph Luiz Contractors at various times, instilling a much respected strong work ethic in his three sons.

Willis was very active, independent and “sharp as a tack” throughout his later years, kept busy maintaining his own home, furniture making and of course following the activities of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Regular drive-throughs of the Mattapoisett Boatyard, the town wharf and visits with his friends for coffee filled his days.

He is survived by his sons Michael L. Collyer and his wife Jacqueline, and Craig W. Collyer and his wife Joanne, both of Mattapoisett, and his daughter in law Jennifer M. Collyer of Fairhaven; his grandchildren Dana P. Collyer and his wife Tena, of Fairhaven, Lindsey W. Thompson and her husband Scott of New Bedford, Jordan C. Collyer and his wife Jessica of Mattapoisett, Hillary J. Collyer of Somerset, Evan J. Collyer of Fairhaven; step-grandchildren Daniel F. Canastra of Arlington and Carolyn A. Canastra of Mattapoisett; and his beloved great-grandchildren William, Jack and Lillian.

Willis was the father of his much beloved youngest son, the late Karl M. Collyer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Karl M. Collyer Memorial Fund, PO Box 947, Mattapoisett, MA 02739, which affords the opportunity for all youths, regardless of ability to pay, to learn the fine art of sailing (mattsail.org).

The family extends its sincere appreciation to the staff at Our Lady’s Haven for the skilled, loving and compassionate care of Willis in his declining months.

Boys’ and Girls’ Lacrosse Preview

on

The ORR lacrosse teams are fairly new; this coming season will mark the third year since the program’s development in 2010. However, there has been no shortage of victories for either team despite the young program, due in part to good coaches and talented players. The boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams look to continue their successes from last year in this upcoming spring season.

The boys’ team, led by Coach Erich Carroll, went 12-4 last season and advanced to the state tournament, where they lost to Blue Hills in the opening round. Despite losing several players to graduation, the team brings back several outstanding players, including last year’s top-scorer, senior Cam Severino. The team also brings back senior Midfielders Chris Marchisio, Max Houck, and Peter Krause, along with sophomore Defender Hunter Cooney. Coach Carroll also says that “swing-players” like sophomore Gerald Lanagan and juniors Chad Santello and Mikey Pruchnik will also make a difference on the team.

Although the boys easily advanced to the state tournament last year, Carroll is not focused on making it to the postseason. His goal for the team is to simply play better game by game and to improve from wherever they start out.

“I think going into the season with the goal of making the state tournament is a little wrong,” he stated. “You should come in and try to improve every game, and the tournament will take care of itself.”

The girls’ lacrosse team has a similar stance on the tournament. Head Coach Jeff Lombard wants the team to make the tournament, but he also wants to “better our team attack, transitional play and team defense.” The girls went 5-12 last season, which did not qualify them for the tournament. However, they bring back 14 varsity players, and that experience may be enough to get them into the postseason.

Some of these players include Alison Francis and Bailey Truesdale, both who were named to the All-SCC team last year. Seniors Erika Boulay, Brianna Thomson and Kara Sylvia along with junior Tori Saltmarsh will also add valuable experience to the team.

“We have a lot of very athletic players with speed, aggressiveness, and a willingness to work at their skills,” said Lombard. “The key to our success this year is taking what we learned last year against a better team to help us in becoming a better lacrosse team.”

Lombard also hopes that the third-year team will be able to be more competitive with the more established programs in the area.

Both lacrosse teams begin captain’s practices this week. The boys’ first game is on April 1 at 4:00 pm at Old Rochester, where they will face off against Bishop Connolly. The girls’ first game is March 30at 10:00 am at Bishop Stang High School.

By Michael Kassabian